Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor installation insulation. A little care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Then, take off the staff bead, then remove the upper sash and remove the chains or cords, and then storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older structures, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option, but it has a tendency to tear and affect the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch to allow movement. It should be trimmed to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. If these issues occur, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same level in its original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the timber frame and re-glazing with traditional glass. A full refurbishment can also include adding draught proofing, re-attaching the sash furniture/ironmongery and replacing the parting bead (the dividing strip between the two panes of glass). It is also recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.

If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same style to match your old frame. This will preserve the traditional style of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows need planning permission.

Before you put the new window on, it's best to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other methods to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with lots of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame in order to repair these issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping through the window repairs. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Lastly remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is an important one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier give character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can also reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since it requires extensive removal. However, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and held by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. After the sashes have been put returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.